WITH COLIN, IT ALL ADD-ED UP
WHO inspires the inspirations in the ever-changing world of football? Which traits stand the test of time? In the latest in our series, we pick the brains of vastly-experienced Worcester City manager Tim Harris. The 61-year-old returned to the dugout with the fallen Midland Football League Premier Division giants in January. Harris is best known for more than 300 matches across two stints at Gloucester City either side of helping Newport County back to the Football League as director of football. His CV includes taking Cinderford Town from county league level into the Southern League and a promotion with Newport AFC/County before establishing the Exiles at the sharp end of step two. That was followed by spells at Forest Green Rovers and Merthyr Tydfil with a stint at Redditch United – and roles where he moved upstairs at Tamworth and Hereford – in more recent times. But it is back to south Wales and cutting his teeth with Newport for Harris’s trip down memory lane, recalling a scarcely believable offer from his greatest gaffer.
WHO WAS YOUR GREATEST GAFFER AND WHY?
Colin Addison, he has been my mentor. He has a tremendous character and his CV speaks for itself, from Hereford to Derby and Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid, and his passion for the game is second to none. When I joined Newport County as a kid he was the manager and since then he has played a huge part in my career.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP MEMORY OF WORKING WITH COLIN?
It was just after he had left Swansea City and we were sat in his garden talking about what he would do next. My assistant had just left and, as we had always had a great relationship, I said ‘Why not come to Newport as manager and I will be your assistant’. He said ‘No, I’ll be your assistant’. I was knocked back, as a young kid at Newport to think that Colin Addison, with all his experience and everything he had done, would come in as my assistant. I have so much admiration for the guy and it was hard to take in. I actually said ‘are you sure?’ but he was adamant. He was only with me for a few months, a job opportunity came up at Forest Green Rovers, but having that mentor who had been there, done it and got all the contacts, that was great for my career. When I left Newport I then went in as his assistant at Forest Green so I worked with him as a player, as his assistant and with me as the manager and all of it was just great.
HOW HAS HE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OF MANAGEMENT?
It is more man-management, he was just brilliant with players. Another one who really sticks out as a great man manager was the late Justin Edinburgh, he was excellent with that. Dean Holdsworth was also a great man-manager – they all got the best out of players and when you look back at the success we have been part of it shows you can be the best coach in the world but if you cannot manage and motivate people then you won’t have success. Colin, Justin, Dean, they had that charisma and character and that has been so important for me.
HOW DO YOU THINK COLIN’S STYLE WOULD FIT IN WITH TODAY’S GAME?
I still firmly believe those management skills stand the test of time and that managers have always needed to be adaptable. Colin had those traits and believed in his principles. He signed good players and developed them and that is really important.
YOU HAVE TAKEN ON THE CHALLENGE OF WORCESTER CITY – PROBABLY A DIFFERENT ONE TO YOUR JOBS IN RECENT YEARS – HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE TASK OF WAKING A SLEEPING GIANT?
The opportunity came up and it brought back a lot of memories for me, the times I went to St George’s Lane (the club’s former ground) with Newport and Gloucester. The fans were always so passionate, you would get dog’s abuse when you went there with Newport. John Barton was the manager there at the time and we went there knowing we would always be in for a great battle. To see them back in Worcester after so many years out of the city is such a boost for the supporters and indeed everyone at the club. They took voluntary relegation because of the finances and issues getting a ground and the opportunity to go into the club, albeit at the level it is, is a big one. I have to be honest, there is a little bit of fear about going into that level. That’s not me being arrogant, it is just me thinking about what it is going to be like. I watched a game or two prior to lockdown just to look at the level and I was pleasantly surprised. The difficulty is that only one team goes up out of what is a very competitive league but the chance to resurrect this club and get it back up a couple of leagues is exciting and one I am really looking forward to. We are going to give it a good go.